Southport Airshow is back

THE world-famous Red Arrows will soar through the skies as part of this year’s Southport Airshow.

ŠOfficially formed in 1965, the Red Arrows are renowned the world over as ambassadors for both the Royal Air Force and United Kingdom and have completed over 4,000 displays in 53 countries.

ŠThis year the Southport Airshow has teamed up with Liverpool John Lennon Airport (JLA) with many of the aircraft taking off from Liverpool and flying along the Mersey to the resort as a tribute to the city’s Capital of Culture status and the airport’s 75th anniversary.

ŠThe Airshow also coincides with the 90th anniversary of the RAF, and to celebrate there will be displays by top military aircraft, including Tornado GR4, Tornado F3, Sentry aircraft and a Chinook, which will lead to a simulated fire power demonstration on the beach.

Peter Sandman, Sefton Council’s tourism events manager, said: “There is a real aviation celebration this year with the RAF marking their 90th anniversary and John Lennon Airport celebrating their 75th anniversary - not to mention Liverpool’s Capital of Culture status - and this makes all the ingredients for a fabulous Southport Airshow.”

ŠThe Airshow, now in its 16th year, is one of the most popular events of the local calendar, attracting up to 150,000 spectators to Southport beach over the two days.

The family event, which runs from September 6-7, promises a comprehensive flying programme including the spectacular Red Arrows, the Typhoon and the Hawk, classic aeroplanes of the ‘Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’, plus the latest fast jets, as well as stunts and aerobatics courtesy of Guinot Wingwalkers and the Blades team.

ŠThe Airshow village features a whole host of trade stands, interactive and educational displays, hovercraft trips, simulators and children’s activities, as well as advice on recruitment to the armed forces.

ŠVisitors can step back in time and visit the Dambusters Exhibition and enjoy talks about Southport’s aviation history by the Aircrew Association at the Heritage Marquee.

The Manchester Museum of Science and Industry will also be displaying aviation exhibits.

Peter Sandman added: “The Southport Airshow is a great day out for the family and an experience not to be missed and we are delighted that the Red Arrows have been officially confirmed to attend.”

For more information, log onto www.visitsouthport.com

To book tickets, visit www.southportairshow.com or call 01704 540011.

The Formby Times has six family passes to Southport Airshow to give away.

To be in with a chance of winning just answer the following question correctly:

Which pair of brothers made the world’s first controlled flight in December 1903?